Government and industry pledge to work together to secure ongoing success of UK's position as the global centre of legal excellence

14 September 2011

The Lord Chancellor pledged that the Government will work together with the industry to support the UK's ongoing success as a global centre of legal excellence. At an event hosted this morning by TheCityUK, the independent body promoting UK-wide financial and related professional services, the industry came together to discuss the importance of promoting the UK's reputation as the global centre of legal excellence, and steps underway to ensure its ongoing success.

In his keynote address, the Lord Chancellor, the Rt Hon Kenneth Clarke MP underlined the measures the Government is taking to strengthen the UK's reputation as a world leader in legal services, as outlined in the Ministry of Justice's Plan for Growth to maintain its competitiveness in the face of new and evolving growth markets. He also highlighted its central role in nurturing growth by facilitating a stable and hospitable environment for businesses to flourish.

Supported at the event by UK Trade & Investment, the Law Society, Bar Council, TheCityUK and leading practitioners, the Lord Chancellor also acknowledged the mutually beneficial dynamic between the legal system and the UK's growth, both in terms of the financial contribution the legal sector makes to the UK economy, as well as its role in the future prosperity of the country's economic fortunes by creating a system where businesses can thrive.

Outlining his commitment, the Lord Chancellor, the Rt Hon Kenneth Clarke MP said, “I want to make it clear that for this Government, the City of London is a legal centre - not just a financial one. The rule of law is one of our greatest exports but there is more that we can do to help UK legal services thrive. I am prepared to wear out much shoe leather promoting the UK as lawyer and adviser to the world, particularly in areas where protectionist regulations remain an impediment.”

Chris Cummings, CEO of TheCityUK commented, “It is critical that the UK continues to optimise the competitive advantage of legal capability globally. Businesses from around the world turn to the UK because of its recognised global guarantee, built on a track record for judicial independence. Safeguarding the future success of this sector will also have wider economic benefits as a world class legal sector supports the UK's attractiveness as a global financial hub, imperative to driving the UK's recovery and growth.”

Susan Haird, Deputy CEO of UKTI endorsed the Lord Chancellor's sentiment, adding, “Legal Services are critical to maintaining the UK's competitive advantage in overseas markets.”

Peter Lodder QC, Chairman of the Bar said, “The Bar Council welcomes the Government's commitment to promoting the legal services sector internationally. We look forward to working with Government by participating in overseas trade missions and working to remove protectionist legal regulations in the face of intensifying global competition for legal services.”

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